Summer in the Philippines is timed by end of March towards May. Apart from heading to the beaches, or any attractive body of water for that matter, it is also the season of the sweet mangoes, which are popularly cultivated in the island-province of Guimaras. This 604.57-square kilometer island is located in between Panay Island and Negros Island.
It is just expected for mangoes from Guimaras to make its way to various parts of the country, and even the world, most especially to my hometown, Bacolod City. What a delight it was when SM City Bacolod, through its Flavor Fusion, held a Mango Festival and a Paella Cook-Off.
Chefs from the Bacolod Academy for Culinary Arts featured two paella flavors, including a mango inspired paella. The audience were treated to a demonstration and taste test of such flavorful food creations.
The day after, the Mango Festival put on display various mango products, including fresh mangoes from Guimaras, candies made of mango, mango preserves, and other food products that had us drooling for more.
The event just made me relish on my childhood summer memories, which were spent vacationing at my aunt’s place by the beach while enjoying several baskets of sweet mangoes. Now, I’m reliving these memories as I get to enjoy both the sea and the fruits, and I’m still craving for more. This seems to be the longest summer I’ve ever had.